Cuba’s tourism industry is facing severe disruptions as a deepening fuel crisis forces hotels to close and leaves travelers stranded, exacerbating the island’s economic struggles. Reports indicate that multiple hotels in Havana and Varadero have suspended operations due to fuel shortages, while stranded tourists describe chaotic scenes at airports and transportation hubs.
Analysts attribute the crisis to a combination of U.S. sanctions, domestic mismanagement, and global energy market volatility. “Cuba’s tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 10% of GDP, is particularly vulnerable to fuel shortages,” said one economist familiar with the region. Government officials have acknowledged “temporary difficulties” but insist measures are being taken to stabilize supplies.
The crisis comes as Cuba attempts to recover from pandemic-era tourism declines. In 2023, the country welcomed 2.4 million visitors—a fraction of pre-COVID levels. Some hotels had only recently reopened before being forced to close again. “We’re seeing a perfect storm of external pressures and internal weaknesses,” a Havana-based tourism analyst told Reuters.
If unresolved, the fuel shortages could have long-term consequences for Cuba’s economy. The government faces mounting pressure to secure alternative energy supplies while avoiding unpopular austerity measures that might spark further unrest.